As the Deputy will be aware from my recent responses in this matter, NAS emergency response performance is measured against KPIs included in the HSE National Service Plan for the percentage of PURPLE and RED life-threatening calls responded to within 19 minutes. The timeframe of 19 minutes is as recommended by HIQA for pre-hospital emergency care response times.
NAS performance against these KPIs is reported to my Department on a monthly basis. Performance for 2025 was 71% against a 75% target for PURPLE cardiac life-threatening calls, and 44% for other RED life-threatening calls against a 45% target.
Regarding patient safety, there are established procedures in place under which HSE informs my Department of major or significant patient or service user safety incidents.
This Government remains committed to investing significantly in the NAS to ensure equity of access for patients to pre-hospital emergency services right across the country. In 2026, HSE plans to put in place 263 posts for the NAS at a cost of €20 million, to improve ambulance response performance with additional emergency ambulances, intermediate care services and alternative care pathways. The HSE also plans to establish a new Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in the West/North-West of the country later this year. Significant capital funding of €34m will also be provided for the renewal and expansion of emergency ambulances and other response vehicles.
